The debate surrounding the "N" word continues today with Gwyneth Paltrow at the center of it.

Conversation was sparked over the weekend after an image was tweeted from her account that appears to be of herself on stage with rappers Kanye and Jay-Z during their “Watch the Throne” concert in Paris. (For those who don't know, Paltrow is besties with Jay-Z and his wife, Beyonce.)

When questioned about her use of the word - examples of which can be seen in the comments on her WhoSay account - Paltrow replied, “Hold up. It’s the title of the song!”

Nash also weighed in, seeming to assume responsibility for sending out the tweet in the first place.

"Fyi Sorry ... I typed Ni**as in paris for real from Gwens Phone my bad I was F** up please excuse it! We were lit!" he wrote Saturday night.

He went on to explain that the word "doesn't have any power over me which is why this will be the last thing I say about it. A word means something when u react to it!... Context is everything. Meaning it in the context as a Song which is how we Sold it to the world!!!!!! it is what it is."

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It's the name of the song. This shouldn't upset anyone who isn't upset by the name of the song itself, and then your issue should be with Jay-Z and Beyonce, not Paltrow. For this to receive any media attention at all means it was blown way out of proportion.

This is as PC as it gets. It is such a bad word, a white person has to say the "N-word". However, a black can say it whenever and where ever they want including conversation, rap, fights, etc. Really? Really? You folks need to stop worrying about the N-Word and start worrying about your shrinking "minority" status.

I wholeheartedly agree. Why is it OK for black people to use the word – even include it in songs – but if a person of another race says it, he/she is a bigot? I'm sick of the double standards. Here's a thought: don't use racial epithets. Period.

Ok. So we can't even refer to the name of the song because, clearly, we shouldn't have any contact with that word. I get it. To be consistent and cautious, we also shouldn't buy the song or album because it would, by extension, be racist to even have the word in our house, on our playlists, etc. I can live with that. Good marketing there!

It's the name of the song. She can't be blamed for that. If you don't want people to use the n word then stop putting it in mainstream songs and using it so casually!!! The people to blame here are Jay-Z, Kanye, and anyone else who thinks it's OK to use the word.

Ok, hold on, you're right, white people shouldn't call black people the N word, we get that. But she was using it in the context of the name of a song, and she censored it so let's cut her a touch of slack. As far as that oppressor horsesh** why don't settle down, "white people" aren't the oppressors even if most of the people you would consider oppresive happen to white. Just like I'll assume you're not a criminal, even though black people account for far more crime than their statistical representation should account for. Fair?

Geez, diary- no reverse racism and stereotypes there. My skin may be a different color from yours, but believe me when I say none of my ancestors oppressed anyone- they were too busy being oppressed themselves.
As to who the oppressors are in this country: if you can't figure out it's the corporations, you must be blind.

You are an uneducated fool, the black americans are the opressors of this nation. Selling drugs to our children and mudering innocent people all across our nation. The minorities in this nation are far and away the majority of criminals. Just look at our prison population. Instead of commiting crime and paricipating in illegal activities, go out and get a damn education and quit contributing to the failure of our nation and its debt. Imagine all the money that would be able to help our citizens if billions wouldn't have to be spent on minorities in prison.

Diary, I am definitely not white and agree that there has been and is oppression against all sorts of people and races , everywhere. But your view and comments on the matter are rather sad to observe. You clearly only read selectively to support you pre defined point of view , also you are a very strong reverse racist.
It is people with mindsets like you that lump bad actions by some into a label for everyone that gave rise to people like Hitler and the KKK. You have such a lot in common with them in the way you think.

There ARE no "oppressors" unless you count people who refuse to think rationally and logically but still insist on asserting their viewpoint, no matter how ridiculous and counterproductive to true education and growth it may be. You know–those who are militant and wear a cloak of self-righteous indignation at any and all perceived wrongs, even those wrongs that are not against them personally, but they still choose to take personal umbrage over. Those who make the claim that there is a body with whom they are at war and whom, they claim, has absolute power over them even though no such organization exists and the majority of people they accuse of being a part of it have no idea of what they are speaking–do you mean those oppressors? Because I don't know of any others.

*Previous post had a typo. *
@wendykh Gwen is friends with "these" people and vice versa. Do you mean that she is friends with entertainers or black entertainers and vice versa? Who cares? If she enjoys their company and vice versa then why should it matter and why is that suppose to be the "real" story. Rappers are entertainers, just like dancers and rock stars. Race has become too much of an issue in places it should not be in the U.S. Hate crimes, yes race is an issue. A white professional female millionaire hanging out with black professional millionaires is less about race and more about her hanging with her peers. Millionaires normally don't hang with broke people.

wait am I the only one who thinks the real story is that Gwynneth is friends with these people (and vice versa) than the tweet, which was obviously simply a play off the song? I mean really I always sort of thought of her as Betty Crocker sweetness and light, and certainly most definitely not no never a party girl. LOL! My image of her has been shattered!

@wendykh Gwen is friends with "these" people and vice versa. Do you mean that she is friends with entertainers or black entertainers and vice versa? Who cares? If she enjoys their company and vice versa then why should it matter and why is that suppose to be the "real" story. Rappers are entertainers, just like dancers and rock stars. Race has become too much of an issue in places it should not be in the U.S. Hate crimes, yes race is an issue. A white professional female millionaire hanging out with black professional millionaires is less about race and more about her hanging with her peers. Millionaires normally don't have with broke people.

What the heck happened to the advances Richard Pryor made? What about the black power movement? I thought the power was removed from the word. "N-word"? What are we, babies? It's as if the 60's and 70s never happened.

It doesn't matter to me how many times people use this word to make reference to African Americans. They create their own stigma and look to blame others. Although I try my best to avoid it, some thug is always riding in a car near me with the stereo bass so loud it rattles my windows and the lyrics cry out that very word endlessly, along with near-constant other expletives. I've never before encountered a music genre encapsulated by drive-by shootings, drug and weapons dealing and the intent to infuse gangland mentality into society as a model for young African-American children to follow.

The African-American race will always be who they are, regardless of what derogatory terms are used to define them.

There was no mistake when she tweeted what she tweeted. There wasn't any harm intended as well. If you take time to listen to the unedited album you will find out that is the name of one of Jay Z and Kanye's song. So she tweeted on what they put out there. I am black and I take no offense to it. She did not mean it in a derogatory way. And trust more than just Gwyneth uses the word in this world and tweets it so twitter should not be upset.

totally blown out.. since the blacks seem to use it so effortlessly by saying it is a black thing.. I consider it on the level of african american... just nomenclature .. the white politically correct guilt trip thrives on this better. for me it like debating about the chevy or ford if you ask me..

but sure get the news etc by the media or civic leader so obviously acting or speaking in such emotion laden rhetoric of how he is leading the charge such as blacks and is actual doing the opposite but everyone seems to get on the train.. welcome to the catholic church bus begun way long ago... benevolent hah.. the Cambodian pol pot and commissars learned from the masters who spent thousands of years refining spin with some real vile results

shut up!!! go to africa and watch how quickly you come running back. theres no fubu or rocka ware down there. so do yourself a huge favor and shut the hell up!!!! ok there sister souljah!!! rebel without a clue. you the queen of the den baby cant decide if its lions or crack. dummy

Gwenith seems to be an intelligent and well grounded celebrity. I do not believe she would ever intentionally hurt or offend others. I do agree that the whole thing has been blown up, but the word needs to go....the more it is used the more power it has, People state it has no power over them, what about others who are experiencing oppression? I would hope people would try to be sensitive, not PC but sensitive in a manner outside of their own experience. Sociology shows we operate as Americans within our bubble...we need to be diversified and more global thinkers to function in a modern world. In Gweniths defense, this was a private text and between friends, whoever is hacking her phone deserves jail time. Love you Gwenith

For those of you who do not realize what are reading, Blythe Danner, who is Gwyneth Paltrow's actress-mother has insulted you even more and quite deliberately than Gwyneth ever could. Get off Facebook and learn about the world around you! Low blow, Ms. Danner.

Black people simply need to STOP using that word. Hundreds of thousands of slaves are probably spinning in their graves. And Gwyneth WASN'T just saying the name of the song. She was making a play on words because they were all in Paris. It's an ugly word. White racists called blacks 'this', they called slaves this. So it's beyond me why ANY black person would want to keep THAT tradition alive.

Why is the focus on the word? A rose by any other name...we could all stop using it but those people who have negative opinions of black people will still have them and find words to express them. This is matter of how much value you place in the ignorance of others. If you allow the ignorance of others to offend you, that's on you. A word only means what the audience interprets it to mean.

I think the economy or unemployment weigh in more than this. Sure she said an inappropriate word... thats only because a percentage of African Americans use it to reference each other and allow their friends of different races to do the same. Until they stop using it... no one will... She meant no harm in it i know but it was just out of bad taste not being racist...

If people want to throw around the N word on twitter, I don't care. I'm more bothered by the fact that someone tweeted "We were lit..." . Come on. You guys are all grown up now so time to start acting like it. Paltrow has a kid or two. Just act like responsible parents and adults, don't get high, don't get so smashed that you tweet ignorant things. I work 12-14 hours days. I don't feel the need to drink and get high ever. I don't want my kids seeing that behavior. I don't care if you're Kanye, Paltrow, Beyonce, Jay-Z, or whomever. It's time to just put down the drugs and the alcohol, and just be responsible human beings. Yeah, life would be stressful having all that money and fame and jet-setting around. I can't imagine. Much more stressful than the people on here who are worried about their next paychecks, paying the mortgage, bills, raising their kids to do the right thing.

I think it's probably best if non-blacks simply stopped buying songs, going to concerts and pretty much putting anything into African-American music and culture as it's obvious that we're being excluded from their walled garden.

When the black folks start having respect for themself and stop using I certainly will! What a bunch of crap, look at all the comments about a stupid ghetto rap! Until this group has some decent leadership, no not Sharpton and that type, and continue to use these 'racist' words, and tons of other terrible references, within their 'music' you get what your get as it's seems like it is a ok word for me to use also! Treat yourselfs and others with the diginity that everyone deserves illregardless of race and see how others feel about it. It's terrible to say but I am somewhat concerned every time I pass someone that's tatted out, pants in one hand and looking like trouble and black. It's what you want to be and you will be treated as that until you begin to think about it!

Illregardless is not a word, neither is irregardless really. Let's just stick to regardless or irrespective if you are trying to make an intellectual argument. Also, try to disguise your racism by aligning your own prejudices onto an entire race. Go listen to Pink Floyd and quit denigrating an entire race by thinking your "music" is superior.

as long as blacks, especially famous black entertainers, sing nigore and call each other nigore I can too. I don't call my Chinese brothers chinks because I respect my whole race and I'm not stupid enough to let anyone think it's okay to say it because I will not and allow myself or others to say it around me...it's just common sense and brains...these black entertainers that glorify the use of nigore are to be blamed 100%, especially in this day and age. Others of their race should shame them.

good point – and lovely spelling, i might add. what other culture/race uses such a denigrating word upon themselves and then will kill a white person for saying it? if that doesn't tell you how racist the word is, i don't know what does.

Please stop putting every black person in a box by saying "if black people would stop using the word..,....." some of us don't use it in any context , be it a term of endearment or other wise. I think the word is disgusting and black people who use that word in this day in age are brain washed by thinking that they are reclaiming the word by using it themselves in an effort to take the sting out of it...... If that was the case then why is it when another race uses it does it still envoke such strong emotions. Everyone should stop using it.....period

replying to @philipjpark..... excellent point. and why is it okay for black people to name a song with "ni%%er" and white folks are not allowed to say it, tweet it ..... as ceelo green said "fvck you and fvck them too!" :-p

As an African-American, I suggest that we ban all songs that use this and all derivatives of such in the lyrics permanently. It is "reverse racism" to claim that "we own the word" and "it's all about context". Scolding white folks for saying a word we fling around every day (well, most of us) is akin to sending African-Americans to the back of the bus. It's a control thing and it's wrong. The only way for equality is to stop being on the fence with this word. Abolish it and punish ANYONE who uses it as spreading hate.

do you know how i can tell you're a racist? by the phrase "reverse racism." it s a white concept from about the 1970's (1960's? '50's?) when folks began to realize that other races didn't much like how white folks did things .... whites couldn't believe that was possible, so it had to be 'reverse racism'. because how could anybody NOT love and want to be/be like a white person?

so. "reverse racism" is a racist concept. actual "reverse racism" would not be black folks calling white folks names. ACTUAL "reverse" racism would be to aggressively treat every single person the same, regardless of race, color, creed, gender, bias or car color. racism is treating someone differently (and generally negatively) because of these things, ergo 'reverse racism' would refuse to recognize it.

What I don't understand and have never been able to understand is why non African Americans can't say the N word. African Americans use is it an awful lot in lyrics, books and everyday conversation. If you don't want anyone else to say it then stop using it all around! Give me a break. It's a stupid word.

jay-z and Kanye make me cringe with embarassment. They have no self respect. I certainly hope other countries do not think these horrible, classless, bozos represent the Black race. I detest the "N" word and do not tolerate it's usage in my presence. Gwyneth Paltrow was just trying to be cool. She had to learn the hard way you can't repeat everything you hear.

Another thing blown completely out of proportion. She posted a name of a song but I still would have thought twice about it. Any black person that gets worked up over this needs to take it up with the artist of the song, plain and simple.
This is not worth stewing over. I'm sure Gwyneth did not mean to offend anyone.

I try to avoid using the word but when singing along with rappers it is in all the lyrics. I think context is everything. Tell me does it still have the same meaning it did? Or is it like Gay and has a whole new meaning other than happy. I think language evolves 50 years from now who knows what anything will mean.

the word came from africa. north africans used it to describe the people in the sub saharan countries. much like here we called northerners yanks and southerners rednecks or hillbillies. didn't start off racist. just ended up that way.

Just thinking that it is so dumb that all of this is so petty and juvenile. It's always the same argument over and over again – and will always be, for as long as people are willing to perpetuate hate and ignorance! (Which will be forever, in my estimation.) For the love of Pete, the article was written just to stir up this exact kind of strife. Well done, CNN. (-: While I was reading through the comments, however, someone's exclamatory remarks struck a chord; what if, while we're fussing about all of this racial and bigoted B.S., we throw in how offensive it can be when the word *r e t ar d* is used as slang... Thinking about the people who struggle with varying degrees of handicaps or have handicapped children/family members, and/or close friends; it's so easy to just throw that term around without realizing how the person next to us might receive it. It doesn't seem like that sort of remark would be much different than the issue at hand, does it.... or does it? Jus' sayin. (-:

God – Gwyneth is so desperate to appear 'hip' and relevant. "Hey – I'm best buds with Madonna. Wait...now I'm best buds with Jay Z and Beyonce". Barf. She comes off as such a pathetic wanna-be hipster.

@franklovesfl – You are right. I didn't read the article correctly. Thank you for pointing that out to me. Now you can get back to sending out those 8×10 glossies of Ms Paltrow, as you are obviousy the president of her fan club.

sometimes when we hang out in different cultures, we take on that coloration. see: madonna's british accent (for one).

but you did notice the part where she claimed somebody else tweeted that from her phone? if we believe that, then it is just as easy to believe that person responded "for her" to her racist tweet (yeah, i said it).

This is silly ! As an African-American, who grew up in the south, and of 48 years on this planet.
I recall when this word was outlawed or bad. However, the young blacks made it "kool" and therefore should not be offended when people use the word. And the word is in the Song ! But the media thinks it is cool for Jay-Z and others to use the word to make millions of dollars. ANd not try to blow this out for no reason. She was using it in...who cares
It is in the song. Let it go...or attack Jay-Z and the others for using it....come on...!

So when the rapper says it, free speech, but if your white and you talk about it you are a racist? Why is it that when a white person buys black olives in a can they are a racist, but if a black person portrays a thug lifestyle, stereotypes himself as a "gangsta" and calls himself a (crimes against humanity if you say the N word) that is OK?
If I say brillo hair it's racist, but if an attorney for a black person says "Black people tend to act out violently if they see other black people doing so" (attorney for Damian Williams, Reginald Denny trial, Los Angeles) Jackson and Farrakahn keep quiet.

Didn't your parents ever teach you that "sticks and stones may break your bones but WORDS WILL NEVER HURT YOU"? Go to any public place and you can hear "the N Word" used in almost every conversation but that doesn't offend you because you're out numbered?

It all comes down to people's view of themselves and either letting someone else have POWER over them or not. Someone can call me and my family the worst names and my reply is: "your opinion means zero to me, your words even less, ha hah LOL!" And people get even more angry when you respond like that.

Was this really a controversy? Or was CNN looking for a controversy and basically created a controversy? It's sad that many of the posters have fallen victims to this media produced controversy and like lemmings spout nonsense about the "black community" or "blacks". I yet to see these "blacks" running around in protest about Gwen's tweet. Maybe the people who are posting here should ask themselves why they are so quick to post to these race topics. At the end of the day this is a none story. But I would ask some people to examine themselves as to why they view a group of people with the same skin tone as monolithic.

wait...she's catching grief over tweeting the song's name? Seriously? Are we that touchy that you can't even repeat it if it's A SONG NAME?!?! Not only that, but a pretty popular song at that? This is just trying to create controversy on the part of the media "reporting" this.

What a bunch of idiots !
My family never had any slaves either but it seems as though the black community wants
us to be racist pigs ! The more i hear about it the more i want to be a racist . Keep it up and its just goin to get worse !

The worst thing about articles like this is that they not only trivilalize this issue (nobody really thinks Paltrow intended to offend anyone), but they also encourage genuinely racist cretins like PeterD to come crawling out of the wordwork.

Does this crap go on in any other country, other than the Untied States? I'm just sick and tired of hearing about it. I'm also sick of all the double standards associated with this subject... once again... only in the Untied States. It all makes me want to puke.

Ya know .....if we keep going down this PC path we will have at least one or two 'forbidden' words for every letter of the alphabet. WAIT! that might be true already ..... except for maybe 'X, Y and Z"
'

Is this tack REALLY comeing up again? This country has become so nancy about being PC that anything anyone says can be twisted and sontrorted into something offensive. Here's an idea: GET A CLUE!!! The only ones who will find it offensive are the ones itching for a fight. If blacks use the "N" word and don't find it offensive, yet they call whites the "C" word and it's acceptable, then what does that say about their character? If whites use the "N" word it screams volumes about ours, and it's NOT good.

OMG, agreed, ridiculous! First off, my feeling and opinion is: IF YOU ARE NAMING A SONG AFTER THAT WORD, OR ANY WORD, AND EVEN USING THAT WORD IN LYRICS THAT ARE IMMORTALIZING THAT WORD! ANYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO SAY IT OR SING ALONG TO IT! HEAR ME? Think about that.

And...What if you go to a music store and you do not see the CD on the racks. How then are you going to ask when the CD will be in stock If you are not "African" American? Do you stand on the corner to hopefully find an "African" American who can ask about the status of the said CD in a safe and PC manner? CAN ANYBODY SAY "RIDICULOUS"?

This is ridiculous. Paltrow did nothing wrong. If the black community honestly has a problem with a white person using that word, then they need to stop using it themselves. Stop using it in the names of your albums and in your lyrics. Stop using it as a term of affection for your friends. Stop trying to put a positive spin on it, only to turn around and tell white people that it's a racist term. You can't have it both ways.

I am all for black people "reclaiming" that word and giving it new meaning. It's a fantastic idea. I am all for putting a positive spin on it. Take the power away from the word, and it won't be able to hurt anyone anymore. But don't play these babygames where one group can say it and one can't. It's defeating all of the progress that's being made.

Ed...You seem like a person with good intent. I will only say this about your response. This article is not from the "black community". It was written by a reporter seeking story. So all the "you" and "your" in regards to the black community is short sighted. It's like saying all white people think alike and respond alike. That in itself is absurd. The "black community" is diverse and not of a single mind set. So please attack the illogical substance of the story and not the "black community". Afterall, stories like these are meant to provoke the racial divide America already struggles with each and every day.

I love that she started her reply with, "Hold up." Gwen has some sass. I can totally see her putting her hand up and swinging her head like a no-nonsense girl from the neighborhood. That aside, it's the name of the song. She is hanging out with the rappers/writers whom are Black (i.e. bad image for a supposed racist). AND she didn't even Tweet/text or whatever it was the word herself – someone else did. This is so not an issue. Gwen, you're fine and for the Heaven's sake please do not apologize.

She what we ppl in the south call white trash..... nothing to be alarmed about we're seeing more white trash these days, whether they're classified as poor white trailer trasher or rich white mansion trash, we see them all the same.... TRASH

I would probably be able to take this comment more seriously if it was written in what we educated people like to call "English." I don't know what this ignorant garbled word soup was, but it certainly was not my language. That said, the comment you intended to make is baseless.

I'm tired of people jumping up in arms when a white person uses it, she has as much right to use the n word as any black person. When they start posting front-page news about rappers using it I'll start taking this crap seriously.

We all know she is racist...i mean why else would she be at the jay Z and kanye concert in paris.
I mean anyone who doesn't like people of color would attend a rap concert showcasing two black entertainers....
Gwen do your thing momma and ball so hard that ish cray

There are still a lot of stupid people in this world and these 2 black artist are at the top. The N word should not be used by anyone. Simply being Black does not give you the rigth to use this derogatory word. You can't have it both ways. These guys are a disgrace. Even Richard Pryor learned from personal experience and took that word out off his vocabulary.

Well said, Lonewolf. As long as black people call each other that name, others will do the same. It's not appropriate for anyone to use that word. These rappers should be ashamed of themselves but, I guess if it pulls in the big money, they think it's okay. Not!

Typical white person, I remember that Richard Prior bit, too. Next you'll be saying you have a lot of black friends. Racism and that word is an incredibly complex issue, and you can't understand if you are white. You simply can't. The best thing for you to do is to acknowledge that, be quiet, and listen. But you'll never, never understand fully the black experience.

i still don't get it. Blacks claim everything was taken from them, but they choose to own a word which was 'given' to them hundreds of years ago and are quite proud of it. a black man calling another black man n****r defies any kind of logic.

Even a person like Richard Pryor was convinced not to use it.

and then of course we have gwyneth who looks like she had all flesh sucked out of her..

I'm take no offense to Paltrow's comment. I more offended by the arrogance/ignorance of some of these posters. The response to Paltrow's tweet is completley a subjective choice, so I don't see a problem with anybody's stance. But this "It's 2012" mentality? Rodeny King was 92'. Trayvon was this year. Like I don't c my dad get pulled over for "random stops" b/c he drives a nice car. Nobody else in my neighborhood gets these so-called stops. And I'm not just harping on blacks. Yesterday my boss asked an elderly Indian woman "what boadt did you get off". Come on people. Racism exist for all individuals and all races. I wouldn't dare tell any race to "get over it."

Dude. The reality is not everyone cares about the same topics you care about so most content creators try to provide something for everyone instead of catering to just one group. It's not the end of the world.

1. It's a name of the song
2. I don't think shes's racist.
However, this really adds a thread to something I have been thinking for a while. Do ppl really think racism is dead? I'm 24 & black. I'm kind of thrown by these "get over it", "move on", "slavery was so long ago" comments. I live in the northeast of America and have been called the N-word countless times by ppl who meant it. This past weekend I ordered a drink with Patron tequila in it. the waitress told me "u know they'll b a bump in price don't u?" White lady ordered the same drink she said nothing to her. Just b/c it's not in everyone's face, just b/c it's not prevalent, doesn't mean racism has dissolved. Bottom line the word is gasoline filled. If ppl use it, u may ignite something.

Racism is truly alive. I'm white and my family and I took a wrong turn on Saturday and ended up in a predominantly black neighborhood. We had slurs thrown at us along with threats. We even had a beer bottle flung at our car simply for being white. So yes, I agree. Racism still exists.

You make racism real. Why do you refer to yourself by your skin color? Should everyone else refer to themselves by their skin color, or their ethnicity? Should I be 27 and yellow or 27 and Asian-American? Should I be 28 and red or 28 and Native American?

shut up you naive woman, Just because a waitress let you know it would be more money and not the other person who im guessing from your comment was white has nothing to do with you being black, and thats the F***ing problem in this country with the black community, yes racism exists no doubt about it, for all races, all, even the white man, but only black people jump straight to the race and assume just like your doing now just like the media did to george zimmerman over killing trayvon martin. It is NOT ALWAYS about your F***ing skin color

Anyone who denies that the"n " word has lost any of its hate filled, negative meaning is in denial and without any shred of intelligence or consciousness about its meaning. Why would anyone with any dignity want to claim a word like that in self-identification or in the identification of others. You can bet that Paltrow would never use a negative term about gay people or Jewish people in any song that she "attempted" to sing. Everybody knows that her singing is a joke and she and her rapper friends are desperately using each other for some reason. No matter how thin Paltrow looks, she will be full of crap to me just like the others including anybody else, black or white who tries to justify ignorance and stupidity.

So let's get this straight, any non-black person that uses this word would be considered offensive and racist??? I guess that person could even get sued for it, but any black thug-wanna-be that uses it in his music can get rich off of it? That doesn't make sense. I say it, I lose money, they say it, they make money...Wow talk about having your cake and eating it too!!!!

Either the word has meaning or not. If the word no longer has the disrespectful meaning I was taught it does then I am not going to worry about it. But then, black people have lost the right to get upset over anyone saying it. It all devolves from there. And we are all right back to the streets, brawling and hurting one another. "Sticks and stones..." and all that. So, why bother being all cutesy with the asterisks, instead of the letters?

It will continue to be important as long as people freak out over it. When people stop getting offended about it, when someone using a weak, soft form of the actual word, or the actual word doesn't make front page news on CNN.com, that's when it will go away. Actually, maybe not even then, ignorant people will probably keep it alive, but it would be great if it could join words that are simply not used by anyone anymore... like gnarly and rad, swell and so forth.

Long as people get mad about it, it will continue to pop up over and over again. That's human nature. Sorry.

If it's gotten to a point where a white woman can't use the name of a song performed by a black man, just because she's the wrong color, it should not be okay for a black man - any man - to use the word b***h and all the other misogynistic and ignorant words they comstantly spew in their "songs". This is just double-standard, PC nonsense. The n****s can stay in Paris for all I care. Please, France, take them.

Freeman has publicly criticized the celebration of Black History Month and does not participate in any related events, saying, "I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history." He says the only way to end racism is to stop talking about it, and he notes that there is no "white history month. "Freeman once said on an interview with 60 Minutes' Mike Wallace, "I am going to stop calling you a white man and I'm going to ask you to stop calling me a black man." Freeman supported the defeated proposal to change the Mississippi state flag, which contains the Confederate battle flag.

Really?! I think there are bigger issues in 2012 than who gets to use a word, when and in what context. Its a word in our language, language can be a virus to a week mind. With that said, if you are week minded most of this thread in its entirety will no doubt make you ill. If you have a brain you would realize that just knowing whether said word/words are meant in malice or to offend you is enough to shield yourself from it.
Bigotry, of any form, from any sect of society(and yes every sect of the human race harbors bigots) is best ignored. If you don't let it affect you then obviously it will intern not give the bigot the desired effect on his end. This will cause him to move on to somebody else or some other ignorant persuit in life. Hopefully to be ignored acrossed the board. And eventually, if people would do this and stop being(or acting) offended just to be heard... bigotry would end and a discussion like this would be seen for what it is. Rediculous...

So what! It's ridiculous how so many blacks are so super senstive at the slightest whisper of anything they consider racist coming out of a white person's lips. But what about all the racist things blacks get away with saying? Even family friendly shows like The Fresh Prince Of Bel-air would make jokes at the white man's expense, but you never saw any whites crying over it, did you? FACT is, blacks are more racist than whites. Blacks aren't shy about it though, while whites tippy toe, praying they don't slip-up and insult a black man. Like it's our fault our ancestors enslaved your ancestors? Like we owe today's blacks for it! If it weren't for slavery, a lot of today's blacks would be over in Africa starving, fighting in civil war, catching a disease. Sure, slavery was awful, but it was the necessary evil that so many blacks live the American dream today. So get over yourselves.

Speak for yourself jason, my ancestors never owned or imported slaves...but I also feel like I owe their portion of the species absolutely nothing, less than actually for having to put up with all their racist bull crap.

Your comment is as insensitive as it is m0r0nic. Slavery was a necessary evil for blacks to live the American dream? Buddy, I suggest you educate yourself a bit, because your three dollar brain is trying to tackle million dollar issues...

If black people want non-blacks to not use the Nigg-word, then they stop using it. I think it sends a confusing message to non-blacks that become very close and feel affinity with their black friends. Its like anything else, your friends start using a term or phrase you pick it up, especially if its part of a catchy hook.
The haters and racists are always going to be there, but you can't blame the fans and friends who mean no harm when black performers repeatedly use the word.

Remember Gwennie used to be ride or die with Madonna......until Madonna realized how corny she was. Now she BFF with Bey and J. Give me a break. Will someone please get this chick a script of something. Perhaps a pregnancy will keep her busy.

Rappers use the N-word knowing well that people from other races are going to buy their music and sing along or rap along to the lyrics. They wouldn't make the big bucks if they didn't want other people to buy their music. Are consumers or fans of their music supposed to skip the part when the word is used or replace it with another – as dumb as that sounds?

Who really cares. This is NOT news and frankly the only ones who will care are the ones who are going to get paid from this. It's a word, if you don't want people to use it, then stop using it yourself. If you want to continue to use it, then you can't complain. Strait up and word to ya mother.

"offended by the word n*#%&^%? how about the word M___ F___er, that's offensive to all the mother's out there; and the last time i checked, there were a lot more mothers than N___..."
it's a stolen line, but as much as i detest the word i see the point. our language has deteriorated along with our education and the use of profanity shows a lack of vocabulary. i consider the word profane, not powerful.

If you stop using a word it will die out much like languages. The word should have died a long time ago. If you want to keep it alive don't cry about it when it comes your way or if someone doesn't use it politically correctly such as when a white person uses it. funny how that works. then again if you can make money off it .....

Gather round suckas and you shall hear .....what happens when a dummy tweets and drinks beer.....the words get twisted and turned upside down...the next thing you know , Al and Jesse are in town.....sayin " what the f–k is dat language you tweet.....dat racial stuff is gonna get you beat".....the panthers will circle like sharks in a pool......waitin to bite cause you texted like a fool

The n word can be offensive, as hard as it is to understand, it can be endearing. Like many other words it has more than one meaning. However when using it in the negative way to describe a persons character or behavior, color dissapears. It becomes a universal word to describe those who subscribe to a certain form of thug life. African Americans don;t own that. Your boys are n!ggars 2.

N*g*r is only offensive when using the word against someone. It is a word and it is in the dictionary. N**ga is a made up slang which again is only offensive if used against someone. I heard a black person the other day use the F word in the same sentence as using the word N**er however, they pronounced the F word out and referred to N**er as the N word! How can someone take offense to the word N**er but not the F word? That is just too hypocritical. And, I agree with a post above which states most people using the word N**er in any context are illiterate… black or white!

I do have one beef with this racist war going on... On television there is a dating site advertised for black people, specifically stating it is for black people! So, how many people agree if a commercial advertising a dating site for specifically white people was played on national television, would that be ok too? I dont think that commercial would get past playing more than once... just sayin...

Hi, Native American here. There is a professional sports team called the "Redskins" in the United States. Another called the "Indians", which uses an offensive mascot. This is defamatory. Whereas defamatory language is injurious to African Americans, Native Americans are immune to such... we are far more susceptible to biological weapons and massacre. But you know, what ever...

Oh my goodness. What drama queens!! Get over it people. If you don't want the word used by whites, don't use it as blacks. If you choose to get offended, then quit racially selecting who you will be offended by if the word is used. Racism is not a "whites only" club. Blacks are just as capable of racism, so get over it. You want it to end? Quit spreading it!!

The lesson to be learned here is perfectly clear .....do not try to tweet when you're drinkin beer......put the booze down when texting next time.....so the liberal left won't line up to whine.....sissies and darkeys and zipperheads and freaks....will all find a way to cash in on leaks.....nasty faced Jesse and ugly faced Al......"will makes sho's you gets f–ked for a good longwhile"

Just to let you know, as a black man, there are PLENTY of us that DO NOT like the "N" word, and don't use it, even though we understand it as a black person. For the most part, most of us look at that word as being used by people of color that are ignorant, and lack an education and/or vocabulary. It's not considered a term of affection, because of the racial origins of that word.

And another thing, why do people that are not black, keep asking the same stupid question as to why you can't use the "N" word? My question to you is, why DO you want to? How does it make you unfulfilled not to be able to use that word?

And just a word of advice, if you have to ask the question, "why is it alright for black people to use the word *igga, but it's not alright for me?", then that's probably the best reason why you shouldn't try to use it. If I have to explain it to you, then you shouldn't be trying to adopt it to fit in anyway.

Wrong. Us blacks can be offended, because not ALL black people use that word or like that word. Jay Z & Kanye "DON'T" represent the african american population as a whole. That's a generalization that you're making that all black people use that word. No, a lot of stupid-ignorant black people use that word, but that's not the whole population of AA's.

what about the C word colored....and what about the B word blacky.....and what about J word for jagaboo..and of course the D word for Darkey.....what the f–k! .....what can I say and not say?....ahhahhghhghhhhahh

To all of you people crying about a double standard and freedom of speech: Why would a white person want to use this word, really? Is it a word that just has to be said? She used the word "ni**as" and put the names of three black people behind it. I don't think Gwyneth is racist, but I do think she should be more sensitive. Move along

um..to answer your question, why would any white person want to use the n-word- a) cause its a word used excessively in American pop culture (aka wrap music) and b) its the name of the song. duh. If the word is offensive than its offensive. Giving rights to a group of people to use a word (or where to sit in a bus as an example) and not to another, is just stupid.

Not only is the "dreaded n-word" a GREAT descriptive word, it's perfectly accurate. When you use it, EVERYBODY, including blacks, know EXACTLY the type of character that you are referring to in the black community. Just ask Chris Rock.

This is jacked up. I'm tired of people looking to cause issues everywhere. Its the name of a song, that is performed and possibly written by a black person, and apparently white people aren't allowed to mention the song in writing or their racist? That is STUPID. I think the issue if there is one at all, should be the use of the word in the song name. Cant believe this made it to CNN.

I could have sworn Lenny Bruce demonstrated decades ago that it's not the word that matters, but the hate. I am of course referring to Dustin Hoffman's depiction of him, as I am not THAT old. However, the point is that it is the hate that charges that word, and when the hate is absent, so should be the hurt. At least, that's the standard set by the last few generations of (whatever term is not hateful at the moment). At any rate, I go out of my way to offend anyone, and in my book, Ms. Paltrow is sans hate as well. I understand perfectly that older generations are still hurt by the word, but point of fact, we ARE all trying to de-claw that horrid, horrid racial epithet, and I wouldn't defend it if my wish was not for the hate to go away. In the last few years, I believe it has become a label worn proudly, and it has ceased to be a useful means by which to insult anyone. At least I am sure that if I were to use the word hatefully, I'd get my a** kicked. And well I should. Except... I wouldn't do that. And neither, I think, would Ms. Paltrow. Please. let's all just live our lives as we think we should, and dismiss the hate as a disease of the hater.

I think it's obvious this is a misunderstanding, not Ms. Paltrow's commentary on Paris demographics. A thoughtless mistake with social media, doesn't mean that some idiots can go ahead throw a bunch of racial slurs around. The sensitivity about the word isn't unjustified, and it can't be pretended away.

Or, in the case of some truly low folks, used as an excuse to trash political correctness, which is what some call having to actually care about how their behavior and talk affects other people. I have no idea why some people are so worshipful of folks who have diarrhea of the mouth.

Cut the crap. In the same way I can call my husband an a*hole but no one else can, it's the same deal with the use of the N-word,so stop talking that bull about a "double standard." Plus, the hateful screed posted by racists in every one of these conversations should be proof enough that we aren't post-racial yet. That said, NBD with Gwyneth, it was probably a reference to the song, but if I were white and decent, I'd avoid that word.

really nick,
When a white man uses the n*word ... history does the rest! My great grandmother did not have the whip, we didn't create that word, we didn't know it until we were called it, rape by it, lynched by it and set on fire by it! Why don't you read, "White Face, Black Mask". It will help you understand that it is not a double standard.

I so agree with you Nick, and its like this my great-granddad, granddad, bothers, uncles, father and husband served for the USA so we can have freedom of speech, life and liberty and justice for all, so with saying that, i think its plain bullcrap that black folks can have rights to a single word, in my area black folks call everyone that, while dudes show there azz wearing baggy pants, livin high off momma's welfare, living free in low rent housing, acting all gansta, but what can we say, thats also the freedom my kin fought and died for, but NEVER so we as white people to be told what words we can and cannot say, BullShiiT...i'll call em as i see 'em

Nick, not all blacks agree with the n word being used by anyone, black or white. It's never ok. So the double standard you speak of is only directed to a few ignorant people who apparently don't know any better or want to keep bigotry alive.

It's all so ridiculous. To be offended by a word that is used by the same group of people who are offended by it screams of racial seperation. Your saying, you may say the word *igger my black friend, but you my white friend may not. I don't think there is really anyway to seperate the negative aspects of this word. Some people may take it wrong depending on how it's used. In my opinion, blacks shouldn't use it either even if when they say it to each other it's not negative. Racisim will never completely go away but it is no secret the slave days are over, and crying foul these days is just silly. This word is in the music, the culture, and alive and well in society. Someone said not all blacks like or use it. Well thats a step in the right direction for sure, but if you choose to have an opinion I think it's your responsibility to let the people that do know it's not ok. Otherwise it's forever perpetuated, and a serious double standard.

SLAVERY IN AMERICA WAS LIKE THE HOLOCAUST TO THE JEWS IN GERMANY....
THAT WAS YEARS AGO...BUT THE SCARS ARE STILL THERE....
BUT WE LOOK AHEAD- FUTURE – MILLIONS OF WHITE AND BLACK LOVE EACH OTHER.
THESE RAPPERS ARE UNEDUCATED...NOT ONE HAS A ASSOCIATE, BACHELOR OR MASTERS DEGREE. .
.SO WHAT WE ARE DEALING WITH IS A GROUP
OF UNEDUCATED MILLIONAIRES STUCK IN TIME....AGAIN EDUCATED BLACKS DO NOT USE THE "N" WORD.
THESE RAPPERS ARE NOT GANGSTERS-MAYBE AT ONE TIME ON THE STREETS THEY WERE IN LITTLE
GANGS, THEY APPEAL TO YOUNG WANT A BE , AND THOUSANDS OF YOUNG BLACK BOYS ARE IN
JAIL BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE THE FAKE VIDEO, THINKING THIS IS THE WAY TO BE SUCCESSFUL
IN THE WORLD- THE LIVES OF ALL THESE YOUNG BLACK BOYS & WHITES RUINED BECAUSE OF THE RAPPERS.
SO I GUEST THE ONLY WAY A RAPPER CAN BE A GANGSTER IS TO USE THE "N" WORD AND HAVE
BLACKS AND WHITE FIGHT EACH OTHER FOR THEM...I CALL THIS A BLOCK HEAD RAPPER.

Shaking my head, I can't believe you just wrote all rappers are uneducated. I may not know all today's modern rappers background because I don't care to know. However I do know some expiring and underground artists whom have their associte and/or bachelor degrees. You shouldn't sit there and make an assumption on someone whom decides to make that their career. It's like down playing models, atheletes and others in the enterainment industry. Majority of entertainers don't have them and the question is why? Why? Why because it is called being picked up, drafted, recognized before you get a chance to finish or start.

It is a word. It has no power, save for the power it is given by those who choose to consider it. It has no weight, save for those who choose to place it upon their backs and bear it as if it were a burden. Truly educated people do not care about its use, in any context. To call it the "n" word is immature and unnecessary for civilized and educated people. It's about time we stop trying to fix all that is wrong with the world and just focus on doing our best to live the best life we can live. Focus on what one can control and stop trying to control others. Freedom does not lie in placing our happiness in the mouths and the minds of others. Many men, women, and children gave their lives so that slaves could become free. Honor them by focusing on what freedom is; not what it is not. And whatever you do, stop calling it the "n" word, as if it was some sort of plague or infectious disease. It only has the power that YOU choose to give to it. Stop being slaves to language.

Words have immense power. They start wars, they motivate men to give their lives. Our children respond to them. The commit us to marriage, they break us up...please don't underestimate the power of a word.

that's right. me and the kids ride around and play i spot a n******. if it's midnight black it's 10 points. if it has straightened hair 5 points. if it has blonde hair it's 20 points. if it's playing loud bass in it's car it's 5 points. good white teXAS FUN.

The jewish entertainers are the worst. Robin Williams mocks asians all the time. Billy Chrystal always mocks Mexican Americans and other Latin groups. That ugly old white hag Chelsea has that midget Mexican Rochester as a sidekick. Chuey is his name

FACT: EDUCATED AMERICAN BLACKS NO NOT USE THE "N" WORD....
MANY UNEDUCATED BLACK AMERICANS STILL USE THE WORD...IN THEIR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS "ONLY".
TO RAPPER, THE WORD IS STILL IN THEIR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS. THINK ABOUT THIS SERIOUSLY PEOPLE....
IF A BLACK RAPPER MAKES A RECORD USING THE "N" WORD....MANY YOUNG WHITES AND OTHERS RACES
BUYS THEIR MUSIC AND SING THE LYRICS OK...HERE THE PROBLEM, A FIGHT OR BAD RELATIONS ARE STARTED
WHEN IN THE PRESENT OF BLACKS YOU SING THE LYRICS...BECAUSE THEY FEEL YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO USE
THE WORD.....WHY WOULD RAPPER USE A WORD THAT MOST EDUCATED BLACKS WILL NOT USE?
RAPPERS KNOW THAT WHITE'S BUY THEIR MUSIC, SING THEIR MUSIC, WHY USE THE "N" WORD...
DO YOU THINK THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SING THEIR LYRICS IN FROINT OF
YOUR BLACK FRIENDS.....HONESTLY.....IT CAUSES FIGHTS, FRIENDSHIPS BREAK-UP
YOUR ARE LABEL A RACIEST--SO WHITES IF YOU LOVE RAP IS THEY USE THE "N" WORD JUST DON'T BUY
DON'T SING....MANY OF THE WANTABEE RAPPER COME FROM HOMES WHERE THEIR PARENTS ARE EDUCATED
AND THEY KNOW NOT TO USE THE WORD....BUT TO APPEAR UNEDUCATED, POOR, GANG, THUG THEY USE IT.
THIS KIND OF RAP IS ON ITS WAY OUT...POOR KIDS CAN'T BUY THIS MUSIC AND RICH EDUCATED YOUTH ARE
GETTING INTO ALL KINDS OF MUSIC.....DID YOU KNOW RICH RAPPER IN THEIR INTER CIRCLE LAUGH AT THE
THINGS THAT HAPPENS TO WHITES WHEN THEY USE THE "N" WORD...IT'S DEMONIC AND MANY OF THESE
RAPER ARE INTO DEVIL WORSHIP...JUST STATING FACT....

Dont name a song with a word you don't want people saying just so people can complain that is what said. Black people want equal rights and ask for it...I beleive they should, but blacks being allowed to say things that whites can't is not equal it's special. What you really want is to complain, if you want people to stop calling you something stop calling yourself that. This is obviously not directed at all black people but the ones who like to claim that white people hold them back when the truth is my uncle who is black doesn't use the "N" word, and is very sucessful on his own account. He hasn't taken money frm the government, he doesn't use ebonics, he asked to be treated equally and is treated equally because he behaves and speaks the way he wants to be treated....with respect. Most importantly, if a black person posted that there would be no issue and it wouldnt be news. That isn't equal.

yer all wrong. this little blue world gets smaller everyday while we try and find ways to knock each other down and sit for a moment at the top. we are all brothers and sisters. the races today are so mixed eventually we will all be black or german or bolivian. screw the races. try to respect the individual. the person beside you. the child that might read your words or hear your voice. petty arguments over a stupid word.....

Look if a race doesn't like a word then the RACE who feels offended by it shouldn't use it so freely! You don't like it? Don't use it! If you are willing to perpetuate the use of a word amongst one another that you would find offensive for someone else to use, you are in effect giving license for the word to be used. I went to a Kanye concert and he had EVERYONE in the crowd singer the lyrics to gold digga he even told the white people in the crowd that it was the one time they could throw the n word around and get away with it. You make music with the word in it, it is a part of the song. Why should anyone have to censor themselves if the songs are not censored? The day every single black person in this country stops throwing the word out there is the day they can expect the rest of the population to follow suit. Until then shut the eff up and quit your bi***ing because you encourage it's use by putting it in songs and making it commonplace in your culture.

The problem is not everyone uses the word...just the idiots who thinks it is cool, or think we should just get over it.

Are we suppose to be held responsible for their ignorance? At the end of the day, people will do what they want to do. I hate the what the word (N**ger) stands for and how it was used to denigrate a race of people. Even still today "hate filled" people use the word in such manner.

ALL of our ancestors have labored/slaved for hundreds of years to bring us all to a place of dignity and honor! Now some overly paid black men and women run around and glorify the N word like there are calling us beautiful black people..I don't get it? Spik, chieck(sp), wet back, Honkie..those are all very derogotory terms that take away from all that we all stand for and how we have fought for positive change between all races! I'm sorry, but having another person of any race calling, or referring to me as an N is insulting! I will and have taken it that way! For a white person to call me that word is disgraceful, and I will not accept that kind of treatment ever! These white women who hang with Brothers have no privilege to say anything disgraceful to anyone..and Brothers, you should be ashamed to display yourselves in that context..does anyone have any shame/respect for themselves any more? I guess it's all about money.

And any bla_ck person who is "ok" with another bl_ack person calling them the n word, but is NOT OK with a non-bla_ck calling them one, is a contradicting idiot. Period. There's NO intelligence involved with taking that stand. You're just stupid. You didn't EARN any right to use that word any more than any non-bl_ack. It's no differen't than calling someone an a_55h-l3. Sorry. Until tolerence of the word itself is lost, we all have to deal with this stupidity and the absolutely laughable media's handling of it by calling it n – word. Like it doesn't mean anything if you abbreviate. And then all the special filters in forums and discussion boards to trap for it. How sad. SAD.

You are a first class retard! She was not saying it TO YOU, she was not calling YOU that. It is people like YOU that get your crusted nickers in a wad when one of your own race says something like this. If you would get off your cross and read further you would see that Nash said he made the post on her phone and even apologized to people like you for it. Now, get off your cross honey because someone else needs the wood.

srsly. what a lame "cover your a_55" attempt to justify it by having a bl_@ck guy claim HE posted it so everyone would be like "OH.OH! Okay I get it. It wasn't a wh1t3 chick, It was a bl@_ck dude so it's cool"... Is this what the world has come to? is this intelligence? All bl_@ck people should be totally ashamed that this is where we are after everything we've been through. Horrible. Sad.

win all of the grammy. win tons of academy awards. they weren't even allowed to fight in all of the pre-Korean wars but there have been ton of fantasy black war movies. black congressmen, judges, television reporters. black president.....when will it be enough? let's call it the black house.

If it is considered offensive, why do the hip hop artists use this always in their songs? So if a black man calls another a n**** and a person from another calls them n*** – this is considered offensive.. Sort of hypocritical and a thing that I have never been able to understand. Stop encouraging these artists and hit them where it hurts – their dollars !!

Either the "N" word is acceptable or it isn't. Doesn't matter if your black, white or what have you. The word is negative in it's connotation but if black people use it to speak to each other then it's fair game for anyone to use it. People cannot have it both ways. Why do black people use it so freely but get upset when a white person uses it? I want a black person to give me an answer..

So it turns out I'm a black person at 22 yrs old and I've never personally been offended. In highschool one of my Asian friends used it to test our friendship. We were just starting become friends and he wanted to see if I would flip out on him and when I brushed it off we became really good friends.

The people who get offended are either really old and grew up during the 60's or they have an inferiority complex. I can understand why the baby boomers feel offended because of what they had to live through and to be fair they aren't the generation that uses the word.

Because self-deprecation is acceptable, but it is not when coming from an outside source. A very rudimentary example would be overweight people. Fat people are much more likely to not take offense from another fat person calling them fat, because they UNDERSTAND what it means to have that label. A skinny person calling a fat person heavy will be met with considerably more disdain and hostility.

I think its pretty funny that the majority of the people listening to people hip hop / rap are suburbian middle class types. They can definitely relate to the music because they know what its like to try and survive on the mean streets. Word?

Africans didn't participate in cultural genocide? Really? Hmmm i remember something about a place called Rwanda areound 1994.. I believe an ethnic group called the Hutus slaughtered hundreds of thousands of Tuttsi's, and systematically raped Tutsi women in an attempt to destroy the Tutsi culture. But you are right, Jurah that doesnt count as cultural genocide. Idiot!

As horrible as those actions were in Black African history you must understand the historical relevance of racisim in colonial Africa to understand what ultimately caused the murderous actions agains Black Africans. Beause of the sadistic and racist treatment of Black Africans in the Belgian Congo, under Leopold, the German and Belgian occupiers created a system akin to the caste system in India. Hutus and Tutsis come from the same region and speak the same languages, (Bantu). However during those horrible times, the stratagies used to divide and conquer is as old as racism itself. The Tutsis were an ancient people dating back to the 15th century and had great wealth and everything else. When they refused to come under white rule, the Leopold encouraged the Hutus to make war against the Tutsis. Arocities against men women and children ocurred due to the racist machinations of the German and Belgians. The Hutus took power by force and were made to feel as if they were superior to the Tutsis. Whites like to charaterize it as "class warfare" but by the very nature of the term, it was racist tactics by the colonizers to divide the African people. So years later, the Tutsis exacted their revenge. The United Nations only interceded after half million Black Africans were killed. When the Tutsis regained control, the Hutus fled to Burundi. It is a sad, sad time that they still do not get who was really behind the murderous acts and band together so that this type of thing does not happen again. Its really tragic.

Ok, it's the name of the song. If anything get mad at Jay-Z and Kanye for making people who just want to listen and say its a great song, hated, because they are simply saying the name of the song. It's the name of the song. It's not offensive, it's the name of the song.

It seems that many of the rich and famous need to be educated in their vocabulary a bit more. You would think they could express themselves without having to resort to vulgarity. So sad to see that these same individuals are held as icons. The Bible as God's Word clearly and simply explains why–1 John 5:19. It also gives us a sure hope for lasting change–Matthew 6:9,10.

Gwyneth is a goddess, this can't be denied......she goofed and said the "N" word and now she's fried......clowns will make a deal out of this till their pockets are lined .......cause Jesse and Al are gonna get their time.....ugly faced jesse and nasty faced Al.....yellin and screamin: "we wants dat white woman to pay up now"!

Confused, misused and abused. Is it any wonder so many people believe the citizens of Cuba and the DPRK are enslaved, even though the citizens there are well educated (Cuba 98% literacy: second highest in the world, according to UN statistics. ronburgunday writes "there are no more slaves in the world any longer." Not in dispute by those who are reasonably informed, is the undisputed FACT that children (as low as 7 to 10 yr olds) in India are sold (even by parents) so that their families won't starve. Similar events occur al over the Third World, due to poverty, the scarcity of food, and poor transportation.

Got the word you black panthers are muslims now....so you don't eat the pig but you can eat the cow?.....makes no difference what you put on the pit ...don't think too many people really give a sh-t ....just make sure that you understand....eatin Camel BBQ it's gonna taste like sand......so just head on down to the soul food place....and get you some "cornbread and stuff yo face"

The nee-groes in the forest brightly feathered.......they are saying forget the night ...live with us in forests of azure.....out here on the perimeter there are no stars...out here we is stoned..immaculate

Black Africans had been enslaving Black Africans long before white people came to Africa with Boats. Hell, Black Africans were guilty of selling slaves to white people. Africans are STILL enslaving blacks but its just the whites who get the bad rap.

Africans engaged is slavery but not cultural genocide. No one but Europeans engaged in the type of slavery designed to cast a race as superior to another and not spoils of a military victory other than Europeans.

So Jurah, let me get this straight, it's okay to enslave another race so long as your doing it for economic reasons and not to assert your racial superiority? That has to be one of the most asinine statements I've ever heard. And I live in South Carolina, so I've heard many...

There are words that just should never be uttered,like the N word, never call a gay man the F word, never call a woman the C word, never call a Mexican the W word, never call a Jew the K word, never call a Chinese person the C word, never call a stupid person the R word, etc. And never ever ever call my Irish ass a drunk or the M word!

Just because there are black people who throw the "N" word around with each other freely, it doesn't mean others should use it. Ever. It's not a good word. Gwynnie is rather clueless, but she has never come across as a hateful racist. Her acting ability is decent and she's pretty enough, but if anything is offensive it's that nasally whining voice of hers.

You're an idiot, she didn't even say the word. And why should black people dictate the national vocabulary while being able to say anything they want themselves? Because slavery was bad and you feel guilty about it sometimes?

If they want to make a big deal of the word then every time anyone uses it; charge them with a hate crime. Anyone that's black on black or other. When someone states the name on a song they sure shouldn't get scrutinized over it that's insane.

It is totally disgusting the way Black Hip-Hop artists have made that word as popular as saying 'hello'. People were lynched because of that word. Black and White people died during the Civil Rights era because of the mentality that goes with that word. Because of what they have done, I NEVER want to hear any black person who listens to that crap complain when the 'n' word is used! You can't have it both ways. Personally, I think there is only one way that word should be looked at...negatively. Check Civil Rights history and then check yourselves!

Well, first and foremost. No one should use the "N" word. I am black and NEVER use it (I don't even like Jay-Z using it). If I want others to stop, I need to lead by example. One quick note about who owned slaves and who did not. Here in the United States (which is the only thing that matters), blacks were slaves and not the owners. This hierarchy created then manifests itself now in the form of economic inequality. While there were white people who did not own slaves then, white people really cannot argue that they're benefiting from this inequality now. It's NOT your fault. It just is ... this is why we all need to work together to reverse these effects. The longer we take to do work on it TOGETHER, the longer it will take to fix. One key way to start moving forward will be for everyone to stop using the "N" word.

I agree that the word should just be ridden of, but honestly it's black people who are keeping it alive. She was simply quoting the name of a song and people get psycho over it. Well guess what...it's a song!!! lol. This country is full of stuch stupid people and the people will ultimately be the odnwfall of this once great nation.

So what about people who APPEAR white like myself who have black ancestors that were slaves? See here in lies the problem. It is not about the color of one's skin. I'm as white as can be on the surface but my great grandfather was black so I should cease any identification with that be it through a stupid term or through the music I listen to because people can't look past skin color to heritage? We are all of mixed ethnicity there are very few straight up africans with no other mix of ethnicitiy in the USA.

This is America and the modern world....so PC to the point that people get worked up over her saying a word...which happened to be in the name of the freaking song. I hate society so much. Everyone is a freaking moron.

If we want the word to go away, the people who are offended by the word need to stop using the word. You can't have your cake and eat it too. It's NOT ok for you to say it but get mad when someone of a different skin color says it. It's either a bad word or it's not. Pick one!

Well i am offended about what was said,but i like Gweneth and i dont think she meant anything by it,and i am a black man.The only thing i say is,if u have to say that word white or black.Whisper it. Cuz there is always someone listening.

This people are so stupid. It apparently is ok when black people call themselves 'N's' but it is not ok when a white person uses this word. Just another sanctionedform of racism – this time aimed at white people. As a black woman I am highly offened anybody using this word.

Get over yourself! Its just a word. I a person doesn't want to be called one, they shouldn't act like one! IF the shoe fits, etc. I am sick and darn tired of racism perpetuated on whites by the blacks.

catsmeow- stop being a racist and you wont be seen that way- i'm a black man and all i've seen on this page is what i would assume are white people saying we shouldn't get upset, I AGREE, but i don't see any comments that would lead you to believe that black people are that mad about it. given i cant see all comments made but i def dont see the outrage that you are speaking of.- as far as acting like one you'd have to question what is your idea of a ni^^er and go with that, when you figure it out i'd advise you to walk up to the next person you see acting like one and call them just that- please video for the rest of us

All these crackas using OUR word sicken me. It's like they don't understand how much we went through when there filthy ancestors owned my people. This a sin the white race will spend the rest of its days living down. I'm not even sure that is enough to atone. Maybe all white people wind up in Hell(with the Gays) for what you done. Gwyneth is a racist cracks!

Noobian??? what an absolute moron. It is Nubian but you know best. JUST SHUT THE HELL UP!!! Our word there you go take credit for it, also as for whites in hell. we already do so thanks for the foreshadowing. Ignorant ignorant IGNORANT!!!

@Dan,
For someone calling peeps ignorant you're sentence structure is atrocious. Btw, Nubian is the white(wrong) spelling. I'm going back to roots, before the paleface interlopers be interloping on my language. And just cuz I'm a prinsess dont be meaning you gotta get all defensive. Just speaking Truth here.

First of all, what's good for the goose is good for the gander. You claim to be sickened by peoples use of the "N-word," and yet you use racist terms. I'm sorry white people sicken you. I'm sickened by character, not color! You are correct, madam princess, we do not understand the suffering BECAUSE WE WEREN'T THERE! I'm sick of getting blamed for the ignorance of "ancestors" just because my skin is white! No one in my family EVER owned a slave and I have a huge book on my geneology to prove it! We will never truely prosper as a society until people learn from the past instead of living in it!

Do your research Noobian! YOUR PEOPLE as you call them, also owned slaves. Will you wish them to hell also? Your not only ignorant but also prejudice! You are just as bad as any person that hates another because of the color of their skin.

Yeah.....b/c you were there 300 years ago when all that happened nubian princess. If you went through the Civil Rights War from the 50's to mid 70's then I'll allow something to that effect. But if you're like 16 years old......you really don't have the right to assume all the hardhsips your own people went through over 400 years ago. It's the same as an 13 year old Jew saying "You have no idea what me and my people went through when Moses was expelled from Egypt." Or what my people when through with the Nazis in WWII. So STFU

Just a couple of points on White people and Slavery: Yes, white people had slaves, but not all white people and not all Americans but keep these two facts in mind: 1.) White people also fought to free the slaves, and a lot more white people died in that venture than anyone else. Also, i reference CNN's story from ealier this year: Slavery's Last Stronghold: CNN Digital Investigates Slavery in Mauritania. Mauritania is a nation in west Africa where 10-20% of the population lives in Slavery, roughly 200,000 people. Those people are not being enslaves by rich white land owners.
Now to the word... That word has power fueled by ignorance. Slavery is a disgrace practiced by humans for as long as there have been humans, only until recently has equality reigned.. Your blanket statement is wrong, and you should do more than promote hate and ignorance, rather look back at the struggles of every person and see that society came together and corrected a wrong.

omg get over yourself! What is the most hilarious is how YOUR comments are the most racist ones on here. Besides....are you a slave? Ya I didn't think so. If you ask me it is racist black people like you that keep the whole "racisim" thing going!

noobian, what did you go through? u did not go through anything!!! this is not the 1800's, you have no idea what it is to be a slave; being sold like an animal. It is 2012, so stop acting like "YOU" went through any of that horrible mess.

Before all the white people around here get their panties in a twist - "Noobian Prinsess" does not speak for all black people, any more than a backwoods hillbilly speaks for all white people. For that matter, how do you even know "Noobian Prinsess" is a black person, and not some white person trolling to stir up more hate?

That said, I am a real black person who disagrees with her post, as well as those posts by the ignorant white people who fail to realize that there ARE black people like myself, who have experienced racism in this lifetime. Did you know that as recently as a child of the 1980s, there were certain neighborhoods that I could not ride my bike, because white people would scream racial slurs at me and even try to chase me down? That there were days when gangs of white kids would try to assault me in middle school? So before you open your ignorant mouths about how "that never happened to me," how about you try to learn the truth...

I hate racism, no matter who it comes from - white, black, purple or green. You're all stupid a*holes, as far as I'm concerned.

Rich rappers like J and Kanye don't give a flip about people like me that work in the real world with real rednecks that look like they would call you the N word with the right ending "er" in a heart eat and not in an endearing way.

kanye,the dream, jay-z and GWEN PALTROW!!! Jeez what the hell is wrong with this picture. spoiled never had to work a day in her terrible acting life. you suck paltrow shut up and for hells sake fade into oblivion.

Isn't there much more important things to worry about? I mean, seriously, there are poor and starving kids in the streets of America, the government is eroding out basic freedoms (both sides are), militarized US Police forces, photographers being arrested for practicing their guaranteed rights, tens of thousands of people are going to prison for possessing pot (medical or not), we are spending BILLIONS of dollars on a world-wide FAILED drug war, and people are worried about this? Wow – how embarrassing. That's why the US has so many issues – people are focusing on crap that really doesn't matter.

EXACTLY!!!! also jay-z is a j-o and kanye reminds us that george bush doent like black people and that when he get rights girl, he'll leave your asssss for a white(armenian) trashy piece of garbage girl. so f them. and gwenny shut it... YOU!!!!!